David Bowie: A Fashion Icon

The world was left in a state of shock last week as the news of David Bowie’s death broke after a secret long suffering battle with cancer.

There is no denying the mark Bowie left on music, fashion and the arts in general, from the V&A’s 2013 sell out exhibition on the singer to the many fashion designers he has influenced over the years.

Designers have long looked to the world of music as a source of inspiration. French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier channelled Bowie’s spirit into his spring 2013 women’s collection, with leggy a-symmetric jumpsuits and sparkly bodysuits. Balmain regularly look to the 80’s with their jagged shoulder pads and eccentric colours choices. Their autumn/winter 2011 show featured numerous models rocking black and silver ensembles based on Bowie’s Aladdin Sane character, most notably Kasia Struss who stormed the runway in a plunging v-neck jumpsuit, compete with silver platform boots. While in 2012, Miu Miu took reference from the superstars 1971 ‘Life on Mars’ video, with a collection full of colour and symbolic Bowie references, such as geometric trouser suits and glittery eye make up. Gucci, Givenchy and Jonathan Saunders are just some of the long list of fashion designers who have based a collection on the star.

Furthermore, many celebrities of today have in fact based their look on him. Actress Tilda Swinton has donned the same haircut as Bowie for some time, while good friend Kate Moss famously featured on the front cover of Vogue Paris sporting his Ziggy Stardust face art. Moss also accepted a Brit Award in 2014 on behalf of the singer, wearing his red Ziggy leotard at the awards ceremony. Florence Welch, Rita Ora and Lady Gaga are other famous stars who have adopted a bit of Bowie in some way over the years, with Gaga using a blue lightning bolt on the front of her first album cover.

David Bowie will truly be remembered as an icon, a man who changed the music scene forever with his artistic style and incredible musical talent.